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Friday, October 7, 2011

When we think of bicone beads, crystals are often what comes to mind. The Swarovski bicone is one of the most common and versatile bead styles. They are wonderful as accent beads, but their unique shape is also ideal for bead weaving, and 3 dimensional beadwork.

The term bicone refers to beads or objects that are wide in the middle and tapered at both ends - officially the shape is that of two cones places base to base. This basic shape takes on many forms in different types of beads, and can be squarish, faceted, and elongated like a tube or pipe. The bicone shape is also found in other mediums - think vintage Christmas decorations, for example.

The unique shape of bicone beads allows them to be nestled together in a variety of patterns. Different stitches or variations on other bead additions can provide some very interesting beadwork. If you’re a fan of Czech pinch bicones, you’ll love Jewelry Supply’s beaded pinch bead tutorial video.

Your photo of the red and pink crystals makes my heart all happy and fluttery. :) The photo of the dreamy blue ones too! Such an interesting article - I also love Swarovski bicones. They're so lovely to work with, so full of sparkle! And thank you so very much for including my pearl and pink crystal earrings here!

I have to agree that bicones are versatile. For a long time, it was the main crystal shape in my stash - because the shape compliments everything! I agree with Shadow Dog Designs that the Swarovski sparkle is an attraction too.

I love the "beaded pinch bead" from the Jewelry Supply video and, sitting practically right next to me, were some "Luster Smoky Rose/Gold" 5x3mm pinch beads. Isn't that a great name? Anyway, they are pretty. I'm definitely going to dive in here. I originally bought them - well, I made an excuse to buy them largely for a chance to see them in person! - to form an interesting RAW base for a bracelet, but I didn't have another specific project for them. So thank you for the nudge over to the Jewelry Supply tutorial!

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